Who are England under-17s?

They’ve just won the World Cup and are being hailed as the future of English football. But who are England’s U17s?

For most of us, the glittering star in the sky that was the dream of playing professional football as a career remained frankly that: a dream. We all imagined it at some point: walking out of the tunnel to thousands of adoring fans, name printed on the back of your shirt, amongst players who were once your biggest idols. Most of us probably dreamt bigger, too. Like signing for Barcelona… or scoring a goal in a World Cup final.

For the lucky few, it became a reality. Alright, so it isn’t the main event, but the under-17 World Cup that just took place in India was the big break for the tiny number of English players who made the big time. Hundreds of thousands of young players had images of being in their position when they were young – and just twenty one of them were chosen for the squad to travel to Asia for the competition – just the 4^th time England have qualified.

The team – made up of players who were born in the year 2000 (crazy, right?), beat Spain 5-2 in the final to be crowned champions – just four months after their u-20 counterparts won their respective tournament after beating Venezuela. Give it a bit of a time before you start crowning them the future of English football – but this talented bunch provide more promise for our national team than we have seen for a long, long time.

The Route to the Final

The qualified teams were eligible for the tournament after finishing in the top positions of their respective continental championship. England, France, Germany, Spain and Turkey were Europe’s candidates after finishing in the top five in the European U-17 Championship.

The twenty-four qualified teams were split into six groups of four – the top two went through automatically, with four best-third-placed teams joining them for the last 16. England topped their group and won all three games, scoring eleven and conceding just two – including two four-nil drubbings, of Iran and Chile.

The only game they drew in the entire tournament was against Japan in the last 16. The game finished 0-0 and due to u-17 rules, the match, like a FIFA video game, went straight to penalties. England won 5-3. In the quarter they trounced the U.S.A 4-1, before Brazil in the semis (3-1) and finally Spain. Spain beat England in the European Championship final – but this time the Three Lions came out on top and stormed to their first ever u-17 world cup victory.

Probably the most publicised under-17’s tournament yet in the UK, England’s unlikely victory threw many names into the forefront of English sporting media. Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster stole the limelight with a stunning eight goals, finishing top scorer, and Manchester City’s Phil Foden scored two in the final and was awarded golden ball. But what with the rest of the squad? Who are they? And could they hold the key to future England success?

Goalkeeper

Curtis Anderson

DOB: 27/09/2000

England’s number one Anderson plies his trade for Manchester City when not on international duty. The keeper both scored and saved a penalty in the shootout against Japan, and stands at around six-foot tall. He was born in Ulverston in the Lake District, but started his career at Blackpool, and became a City u-18’s player in July this year.

Right back

Steven Sessegnon

DOB: 18/05/2000

Hailing from the same family as Benin’s most famous export Stephane Sessegnon, Steven plays as a right back for Fulham alongside his twin brother Ryan (who plays for England u-19s). He captained Fulham u18s in 2016-17 before signing his first professional contract this summer and making his full debut in Fulham’s third round League Cup match against Wycombe. He can play left back, right back, centre back or even in holding midfield, but started the final on the right of the defensive line.

Centre backs

Marc Guehi

DOB: 13/07/2000

Guehi has been at the Chelsea academy since the age of just 8. Born in the Ivory Coast. He is contracted professionally to the Blues but nationally is still eligible for Cote D’Ivoire – though captained the Three Lions at the European Championship this year.

Joel Latibeaudiere (Captain)

DOB: 06/01/2000

One of the older players in the squad, Latibeaudiere captained the side in the final and is regarded as one to watch for the future. A strong, commanding centre back, he’s good in the air and physically but is also very composed and makes good decisions on the ball. He can play as a centre back or a right back and is currently a player for the Manchester City U-23’s.

Left back

Jonathan Panzo

DOB: 25/10/2000

Panzo, another Chelsea academy star (there’s a theme here), plays left back for the under-17’s. A skilful but wary and imposing defender, he can also play at centre back and joined Chelsea at under 9 level.

Midfielders

George McEachran

DOB: 30/08/2000

Yet another Chelsea starlet (you guessed it), George - younger brother of Brentford’s Josh, is a creative midfielder with a spark reminiscent of Zinedine Zidane. He is a tidy player who can use both feet and has a stunning eye for a pass and can dribble too. He signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday.

Tashan Oakley-Boothe

DOB: 14/08/2000

The only Tottenham player who made the line-up for the final, Oakley-Boothe is a box-to-box midfielder who Mauricio Pochettino took on Spurs’ pre-season tour this summer. He started for the first team against PSG and the Argentian manager seems to have much faith in the youngster for the future. He usually sits deep and controls the play from midfield ala Xavi - but his versatility also means he is a powerful runner who can surge forward with the ball – in Yaya Toure-esque fashion. One to watch.

Morgan Gibbs-White

DOB: 27/01/2000

An attacking midfielder in the Wolves set-up, Gibbs-White has already played in the league for wolves and made his debut in January 2017. He is a tricky dribbler who is quick, and valued highly within the Wolves ranks. Don’t be surprised to see him become a regular for the Championship side.

Right wing

Phil Foden

DOB: 28/05/2000

Oozing confidence and with bags of talent, Foden scored two goals in the final ,including the fifth to secure victory, and is undoubtedly one of England’s hottest young prospects. Yes – you’re allowed to be excited. The 17-year-old plays like a young Messi, but deeper in midfield – and his ability is undeniable. Predominantly left footed, he can use both feet, has great composure and exceptional vision and awareness. His small 5-foot-7 frame allows him a great centre of gravity and his balance and nifty footwork leaves defenders on the ground. He can shoot too, as we’ve seen – from inside and outside the box. He’s scored eleven in twenty-three for England under-17’s and a host of incredible solo goals for his club side. Foden, who joined the City academy aged just 8, is a City fan and was born in Stockport. He made his first team debut this summer in a pre-season fixture against Manchester United, mixing it with the likes of David De Gea and Yaya Toure; afterwards, Pep Guardiola said he ‘didn’t have words to describe’ Foden’s performance – and the wonderkid is likely to feature in City’s first team very soon.

Left wing

Callum Hudson-Odoi

DOB: 07/11/2000

One of the most recognisable names on the team-sheet, Callum Hudson-Odoi is eligible to represent both England and Ghana on the national side of things, but has opted for the Three Lions thus far in his career. A versatile player who can play as either a number ten or a winger, Odoi is blessed with blistering pace and can deliver a mean cross, while also confident enough to burst past players with his dribbling skills. He plays for Chelsea under 18’s and grabbed three assists against Spain in the final. One for the future.

Striker

Rhian Brewster

DOB: 01/04/2000

With a vicious shot and a dastardly eye for goal, Rhian Brewster has a slice of Fernando Torres about him. Probably the most talked about name over the course of the tournament, Brewster, who could be England’s next big thing, scored an unchallenged eight goals to romp to the Golden Boot in the tournament, including back-to-back hat-tricks in the quarter final and semi final. If that doesn’t warrant a bit of press, what does? The striker, 17, scored 14 goals for Liverpool U23’s in 2016-17 and shoots at every given opportunity. His trademark as a number 9 should not take away from the rest of his ability; his dribbling skills are also something to behold – resembling Brazil legend Ronaldo on occasion when running with the ball. Simply put, he likes to score – and that’s why he keeps doing it. He could be one of Jurgen Klopp’s go-tos in no time – and with a record like he has, it would be less than a surprise.

Notable Substitutes

Jadon Sancho

DOB: 25/03/2000

Position: Winger

Sancho scored twice against Chile in the first round but was called back by his team Borussia Dortmund before the last-16 tie against Japan. Having transferred for £8m to the German club from Manchester City and the end of this summer, Sancho, who was born to Trinadian parents in England, is one of England’s most valuable young players. He has already played first team football in the Bundesliga. A nifty winger, Sancho shows glimpses of Neymar in his play – he’s got sublime ball control, a knack for leaving defenders on their backsides and is very difficult to tackle. He likes a bit of showboating too – something that Dortmund obviously weren’t opposed to. He made his Bundesliga debut last week.

Angel Gomes

DOB: 31/08/2000

Position: Attacking midfielder

Angel Gomes: Manchester United’s Portuguese-born sensation. His Godfather is Nani and despite the fact he resembles American comedian Chris Rock facially, Gomes’ talent is no joke. The midfielder is small, quick and creative. In May this year, he came on for Wayne Rooney against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, becoming the first player born in the 2000s to play in the Prem. One of those players who just looks so comfortable on the ball, Gomes plays somewhat like that guy Pele – and can play anywhere in the attacking half of the pitch. His class is clearly visible – and he, along with Sancho, Foden and Brewster, could be a priceless ingredient of England’s attacking options in years to come.

Alright. So let’s not get our hopes up just yet – but England’s current youth set up – despite the state of the FA – is looking ever promising. We’d already won the u20 World Cup this year before this success – and have reached countless other youth-level semis and finals in recent years. Even Lampard, Gerrard and co. didn’t do that. It’s a bit early to say whether the 2022 World Cup could be the break for some of these starlets – or even for England as a team. But one thing’s for sure. The future looks bright.